MLA and Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio, and MLA and Advisor for Tribal Affairs and Election, H Tovihoto Ayemi with others at the inauguration programme of the Naga colony gate, Dimapur, on November 22. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | November 22
Village gates serve not only as security but also as a symbol of identity in the Naga culture, said the MLA and Advisor for Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio. Zhaleo stated this during the inauguration of the Naga Colony gate, Dimapur on November 22.
The event also had in attendance MLA and Advisor for Tribal Affairs and Election, H Tovihoto Ayemi, and MLA Y Mhonbemo Humtsoe, along with the Deputy Commissioner of Dimapur Dr Tinojongshi Chang.
Reiterating the cultural significance of gates to the Nagas even in urban settings, Zhaleo asserted that it serves as a symbol of cooperation and unity among residents. While stating that it represents their collective identity and shared commitment to living harmoniously, he said that peace, unity, and consensus are essential for positive outcomes not only within the colony but in general.
He commended the residents for setting a positive example and expressed hope that this spirit of camaraderie would continue to flourish in the years ahead.
Reflecting on the recent Urban Local Body (ULB) elections held in 2024 after a 20-year gap, the Advisor urged the elected Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) councilors to prioritise meeting the expectations of the residents. He specifically highlighted the need for the DMC to focus on effective revenue generation to support development initiatives.
Meanwhile, he noted that Nagaland's high literacy rate has not translated into civic sense. He suggested a need to better translate the state's educational achievements into improved urban governance and development practices.
He also raised concerns about the impact of inaccurate Census figures on the state's overall development. He assured that the government is committed to conducting a thorough and accurate population Census.
Advisor H Tovihoto Ayemi unveiled a monolith, christened the ‘Unity Stone’ by the community, coinciding with the inauguration of the gate. According to the Naga Colony Council, the Unity Stone symbolised the diversity of their neighborhood— the people from 20 Naga communities living in the colony.
Ayemi said that the village gate— in this case a gateway to an urban locality, acts as a declaration of Naga existence and cultural heritage to the world. He however expressed concern about a perceived decline in Naga unity, suggesting a weakening of the collective spirit. He pointed to the fragmentation of Naga society along the lines of clanism, tribalism, and factionalism. He stressed the urgent need to revive the traditional community spirit and foster a sense of shared purpose, and questioned whether a truly shared vision currently exists.
According to him, there is potential in Dimapur’s cosmopolitan character to serve as a model for Naga unity. He expressed optimism that Nagas can regroup and unite with a shared vision and coordinated action.
The construction of the gate and ‘unity’ monolith was sponsored by Zasivikho Zakiesato, Chairperson of the Naga Colony Council, in memory of his parents. He described inauguration as the unveiling of a vision and a commitment to preserving harmony among the various communities settled in the colony.
